Dr. Denise Dutchak, a child psychiatrist with Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, says signs of depression in teenagers can be negative thoughts, words, and behaviors. “Depression is a spectrum disorder. Often times what the parents will tell me is that they are isolating themselves in their room. They aren’t coming out and enjoying family activities, they’re not talking to their friends, they’re withdrawing at school, or they’re irritable, starting fights, and arguing.”

Dr. Dutchak says irritability is a major sign of depression in teenagers. “It’s a very serious problem and if a parent, teacher, friend, anybody has a question about it, then they need to get that person help.”

If a teenager’s behavior has suddenly changed, it may be time to screen them for depression. “It’s just a questionnaire graded from zero to three, and anything above a certain score may indicate that there may be a depression presence,” said Dr. Dutchak.

If a teenager is diagnosed with depression, doctors will first examine their overall health, including their diet, lab work, and their physical activity. This will help them rule out any medical problems that could be causing the depression. “One of the key questions is how depressed are they? Are they to the point where they are suicidal? Or is it an adjustment to stress in their lives,” said Dr. Dutchak.

Depression can be a deadly disorder that should be treated carefully. “There is excellent treatment out there: psychotherapies, medications, and many different approaches to take so they don’t have to suffer,” said Dr. Dutchak.

All can help teens overcome depression so they can live a healthy life.